Aug. 21, 2006 – The Democratic Party is sponsoring debates this Friday through Sunday so registered Democrats will have a chance to meet the candidates before voting in the Sept. 9 primary.
"They will hear firsthand from the candidate," said debates organizer Ivy Moses.
The debates will be held in Cruz Bay Park at 7 p.m. and audience members will be able to question the candidates directly, but they will not be allowed to debate the candidates. Audience members may also give their written questions to the moderator for questioning.
Candidates have two minutes to answer questions. Candidates will also be able to answer questions not directed to them.
The senatorial candidates kick off the event Friday, and Moses said he expects most of the 10 candidates to appear. They are vying for seven seats on the Democratic ticket.
The 10 senatorial candidates include incumbents Sen. Louis P. Hill and Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone as well as challengers the Rev. Toi Barbel, Horace Brooks, Basil Ottley, Niles "Nicky" Russell, Shirley Sadler, Patrick Sprauve, Athneil "Bobby" Thomas and Alvin Williams.
On Saturday, the candidates for lieutenant governor will have their turn. They include Sen. Lorraine Berry, Roy Jackson and Gregory Francis.
The gubernatorial candidates debate on Sunday and include former Superior Court Judge Edgar Ross, Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards and John deJongh.
Moses said a debate for senatorial at-large candidates will be scheduled for a later date. She said there will be no debate for the delegate to Congress post, because the incumbent, Donna M. Christensen, has no Democratic challengers.
According to the Elections Board, St. John has 870 registered Democrats out of 1,845 registered voters. There are more Democrats than any other party, with 78 registered under the Independent Citizens Movement banner, 92 as Republicans, 17 as other and 788 as no party.
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